Air Fryer Salmon

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A simple recipe for air fryer salmon that results in perfectly flaky and tender salmon fillets. It’s healthy, flavorful and ready in under 15 minutes.

Since purchasing an air fryer Isaac and I have become addicted. We absolutely love it and I’m kind of upset we put it off for so long! I love making different proteins and veggies in the air fryer for quick and easy dinners and this air fryer salmon recipe is one of my go-to’s.

It’s such a simple recipe that will give you a flavorful, perfectly cooked salmon filet in 15 minutes from start to finish! It’s perfect for meal prep or busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Overhead photo of a plate with filet of air fryer salmon served with leafy greens and lemon slices.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

  • Easy – It’s the perfect recipe for those busy weeknights. 6 ingredients, 15 minutes, and you’re ready to enjoy!
  • Perfectly cooked – Your salmon filets will be perfectly tender and flaky. No dry or undercooked salmon here.
  • Meal prep – Air fryer salmon is perfect for meal prep. I love making a couple filets for salads throughout the week.

// ★★★★★ REVIEW //

“Such an easy recipe with restaurant quality results! Loved by the kids & adults, minimal prep time & clean up. This will definitely become a regular go to. I’m looking forward to trying the other salmon recipes on the website. Thank you!” – Anna

Ingredients measured out to make air fryer salmon: salmon, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon and paprika.

Ingredients Needed

As I mentioned above, you only need 6 simple ingredients to make this air fryer salmon! I bet you already have everything in your kitchen.

  • salmon filets – salmon is packed with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce inflammation and blood pressure. It’s a great source of protein and has a ton of key vitamins and minerals. (Source) For this recipe you’ll want two 6 oz evenly sized filets of salmon with the skin on. I recommend getting individual filets from your grocer but don’t be afraid of frozen filets, either! Flash frozen fish can be just as healthy. Just make sure the salmon is thawed if you are using frozen filets.
  • olive oil – this will coat your salmon, keep things moist and help the seasoning and spices to stick to the salmon.
  • garlic – you’ll need one minced clove of garlic. If you don’t have any on hand you can use garlic powder, I’d use about 1/4 teaspoon to equal one clove.
  • seasonings – sea salt and pepper to taste. Paprika is optional, but adds nice flavor! Smoked paprika would also add a nice smokiness!
  • lemon – a slice of lemon for serving elevates this simple salmon dish.
Side by side photos of salmon in an air fryer basket, before and after being cooked.

How to Make Air Fryer Salmon

This recipe couldn’t be any easier to make! From start to finish it takes about 15 minutes. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Start by rubbing the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika (if using), salt and pepper on the flesh of each salmon filet.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer if necessary. When it’s ready, place the salmon filets skin side down in your air fryer basket and air fry at 390ºF for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know the salmon is done with the flesh flakes off easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from your air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips For Making the Best Air Fryer Salmon

  • Size matters: Aim to get evenly sized pieces of salmon to ensure even cooking.
  • Keep skin on: To help the salmon stay together while cooking I recommend keeping the skin on. You can easily remove it after cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Depending on the size of your air fryer and how many salmon filets you want to cook you might need to cook in batches as to not overcrowd your air fryer basket.
  • Check for doneness: The cook time will vary depending on the size of your salmon filets and your air fryer. You’ll know your salmon is done when it easily flakes off with a fork. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. You’ll want your salmon to be at an internal temperature of 145°F.
A closeup of air fryer salmon in an air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Salmon Variations

  • Cayenne – add some spice with a little cayenne pepper! I’d start with a pinch.
  • Fresh herbs – sprinkle with some chopped fresh herbs when you take the salmon out of the air fryer. Chopped fresh parsley or dill would be delicious.
  • Tahini – whip up my citrus tahini dressing and drizzle it on top!
  • Soy sauce or tamari – drizzle on soy sauce or tamari before cooking for an added umami flavor.
  • Blackened seasoning – I love blackened salmon and you can easily switch things up and cook my blackened salmon recipe in the air fryer.
Overhead photo of a plate with filet of air fryer salmon served with leafy greens and lemon slices.

How to Serve Air Fryer Salmon

There are so many ways you can use this air fryer salmon! Whether you keep it simple with a side of veggies and rice like I usually do, or incorporate it into other recipes, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

A piece of air fryed salmon on a plate served with leafy greens and lemon slices. A fork is pulling the salmon apart.

How to Store and Meal Prep

This air fryer salmon is perfect for meal prep! Just prepare and cook the air fryer salmon as directed below, then let it cool slightly before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You’ll have perfectly cooked and delicious salmon to eat any night (or day!) of the week.

To reheat, add salmon to a skillet over medium low heat until heated throughout

Air Fryer Salmon FAQ’s

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

That depends on your air fryer! Some recommend preheating and others do not require it. Check your owners’ manual to see what they recommend. If you don’t have a preheat setting, just set your air fryer to the required temperature about 3 minutes before adding your food.

Do you have to flip salmon in air fryer?

No, there is no need to flip salmon when cooking it in the air fryer. Simply place salmon filets skin side down in air fryer and cook on 390°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.

How long does it take to cook salmon in the air fryer?

It takes about 10-12 minutes at 390°F to cook salmon. Although the time may vary depending on the size of your salmon filets.

How do you prevent salmon from sticking to the air fryer?

You can spray your air fryer with non-aerosol cooking spray to help keep the salmon from sticking, but my air fryer is non-stick so I don’t find this necessary.

Can I use frozen salmon?

You can use frozen salmon filets for this recipe! Just make sure the salmon is thawed prior to air frying.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

Be sure to check out all of the popular salmon recipes and the full collection of the air fryer recipes here on EBF!

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3.85 from 45 votes

Air Fryer Salmon

A simple recipe for air fryer salmon that results in perfectly flaky and tender salmon fillets. It's healthy, flavorful and ready in under 15 minutes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients  

  • 2 6 oz salmon filets
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon paprika, optional
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 2-3 slices of lemon, for serving

Instructions 

  • Rub oil, minced garlic, paprika (if using) salt and pepper on on the flesh of each salmon fillet.
    Two seasoned salmon filets on a piece of parchment paper on top of a plate.
  • Preheat air fryer if required. Spray air fryer with non-aerosol cooking spray, if desired. Place salmon filets skin side down in air fryer and cook on 390°F for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through. Cook time will vary depending on the size of your salmon filets.
    Two seasoned salmon filets in an air fryer basket.
  • Once cooked and salmon easily flakes off with a fork, remove salmon from the air fryer and let rest for about 5 minutes.
    Two air fried filets of salmon in an air fryer basket.
  • Serve salmon with slice of lemon and sides of choice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1filet | Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 13mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Equipment

Additional Info

Course: Fish & Seafood
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer salmon, air fryer salmon recipe
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About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

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12 Comments

  1. I may have to dust off the air fryer this week! I love salmon, but am tired of my go-to recipes. I’ll have to try this out.

  2. 5 stars
    Great food with less effort…just how cooking should be! Absolutely loved this recipe and will definitely be making again! Also really loved the aluminum foil tip.

    1. Yay! I’m so glad this recipe worked out for you, Imsen! Thanks for coming back to leave a review and star rating! I appreciate it so much.

    1. Yum! So glad you are loving this quick and easy recipe, Sherry. Thank you for your review + star rating, I appreciate it!

  3. 5 stars
    Such an easy recipe with restaurant quality results! Loved by the kids & adults, minimal prep time & clean up. This will definitely become a regular go to. I’m looking forward to trying the other salmon recipes on the website. Thank you!

    1. Amazing! I am so glad you gave this recipe a try and are loving it, Anna. Thank you for coming back and sharing your review & star rating, I really appreciate it!